Here is my favorite fall cocktail recipe, a Cider and Maple Old Fashioned with bourbon, fresh apple cider, pure maple syrup, and a hint of bitters.
This drink has become our go-to for cozy evenings on the porch when the weather starts to cool down. I always make a big batch when friends come over because everyone ends up asking for seconds. There’s something special about the way the maple and apple cider work together, right?
Why You’ll Love This Cider and Maple Old Fashioned
- Ready in minutes – This cocktail comes together in just 5 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute entertaining or when you want a quality drink without the wait.
- Fall flavors in a glass – The combination of maple syrup and apple cider gives you all those cozy autumn vibes without being overly sweet or complicated.
- Simple ingredients – You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you might already have in your pantry or bar cart.
- Impressive but easy – This drink looks and tastes like something from a fancy cocktail bar, but it’s so simple that anyone can make it at home.
What Kind of Bourbon Should I Use?
For this fall-inspired Old Fashioned, you’ll want to choose a bourbon that can stand up to the maple and apple flavors without getting lost. A mid-range bourbon with some spice notes works really well here – think something in the $25-40 range that you’d be happy sipping on its own. You don’t need to break the bank with a premium bottle since the maple syrup and cider will be adding their own flavors, but avoid the bottom-shelf stuff that might taste harsh. Bourbons with a higher rye content tend to add a nice spicy kick that complements the cinnamon garnish, while wheated bourbons will give you a smoother, sweeter drink.
Options for Substitutions
This fall-inspired cocktail is pretty forgiving when it comes to swaps:
- Bourbon: While bourbon is the classic choice here, rye whiskey works great too and adds a slightly spicier kick. You could also try a smooth Tennessee whiskey if that’s what you have on hand.
- Maple syrup: Real maple syrup is key for that authentic flavor, so I’d recommend sticking with it. If you absolutely must substitute, try honey or agave nectar, but know that the taste will be noticeably different.
- Apple cider: Fresh apple cider is best, but unfiltered apple juice can work in a pinch. Just avoid using clear apple juice as it lacks the depth of flavor you want here.
- Orange bitters: Don’t have orange bitters? Regular Angostura bitters will still give you a great cocktail. For a seasonal twist, try using apple or aromatic bitters instead.
- Cinnamon sticks: The cinnamon stick is mainly for garnish and aroma, so you can skip it if needed. An orange peel or a star anise pod makes a nice alternative garnish.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making This Cocktail
The biggest mistake when making an Old Fashioned is over-stirring, which can water down your drink too quickly – aim for about 20-30 seconds of gentle stirring with ice to chill and dilute just enough without turning it into a watery mess.
Another common error is using low-quality maple syrup or the fake pancake syrup stuff, which will give you an artificial sweetness instead of the rich, complex flavor real maple syrup brings to the drink.
Make sure your apple cider is fresh and not the sparkling kind, as carbonation will throw off the balance of this cocktail, and always taste your bourbon before mixing since a harsh or overly sweet bourbon can clash with the maple and cider flavors.
For the best results, use a large ice cube or sphere instead of small cubes, which melt slower and keep your drink at the perfect temperature without diluting it too fast.
What to Serve With Cider and Maple Old Fashioned?
This fall-inspired cocktail pairs beautifully with savory appetizers that balance out the sweetness of the maple and apple cider. I love serving it alongside a cheese board with sharp cheddar, aged gouda, and some candied pecans – the salty cheese really complements the drink’s warm flavors. Bacon-wrapped dates or prosciutto-wrapped apple slices are also great options if you’re looking for something a bit fancier. For a more casual gathering, try pairing it with roasted nuts, charcuterie, or even some good quality dark chocolate.
Storage Instructions
Make Ahead: You can pre-mix the bourbon, maple syrup, apple cider, and bitters in a sealed bottle or jar and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to serve, just pour it over ice and give it a quick stir. This is great for parties when you don’t want to be mixing drinks all night!
Store Ingredients: Keep your bourbon at room temperature in a cool, dark place, and store the maple syrup and apple cider in the refrigerator once opened. Fresh apple cider is best used within 7-10 days of opening for the best flavor in your cocktails.
| Preparation Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 190-210
- Protein: 0-0.2 g
- Fat: 0-0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 15-18 g
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
- 1/2 oz apple cider
- 2 to 3 dashes orange bitters
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Step 1: Combine Cocktail Ingredients in Shaker
- 2 1/2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
- 1/2 oz apple cider
- 2 to 3 dashes orange bitters
- ice (for shaker)
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Pour in the bourbon, pure maple syrup, apple cider, and orange bitters.
Shake vigorously to chill the mixture and blend the flavors.
Step 2: Strain and Serve Over Ice
- prepared cocktail mixture from Step 1
- ice (for serving)
Fill two rocks glasses with fresh ice.
Strain the chilled mixture from the shaker evenly into the prepared glasses.
Step 3: Garnish and Enjoy
- cinnamon sticks for garnish
Garnish each drink with a cinnamon stick and serve immediately.
I like using a fresh cinnamon stick as it gives a lovely aroma and a festive touch.
Best Cider and Maple Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
- 1/2 oz apple cider
- 2 to 3 dashes orange bitters
- cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the bourbon, pure maple syrup, apple cider, and orange bitters. Shake vigorously to chill the mixture and blend the flavors.
- Fill two rocks glasses with fresh ice. Strain the chilled mixture from the shaker evenly into the prepared glasses.
- Garnish each drink with a cinnamon stick and serve immediately. I like using a fresh cinnamon stick as it gives a lovely aroma and a festive touch.
